Fast and Lethal

Racing games don't usually catch my eye. Need For Speed: Underground was fun, but the last one that I really got into was Rage Racer back on the PSX. I like having a sense of speed and action, rather than worrying about Gran Turismo-style realism.

Enter Burnout 3: Takedown. I have no idea if the earlier entries in the series are as good, but if they are then I've been missing out. This game is fast!
You and your rivals are out racing with no regard for public safety. Players are encouraged to take down their opponents with ruthless driving moves, earning points and increasing the boost gauge. Using the boost makes you go even faster and increases car smashing efficiency.

The controls are simple and effective. A button for going faster, a button for going slower, and a button for activating the boost. Easy! There are some fancier tricks, like activating bullet-time during a crash to cause extra carnage and recover, but that's just gravy.

Since there are points to earn, there are also things to be unlocked. New cars and courses increase the longevity of the game. (But to be honest I'm nowhere near finishing it yet!)

So, if you're into arcade style racing with lots of speed and destruction, there's really nothing to dislike about Burnout 3. Don't play it before bed or the adrenaline will make it more difficult for you to sleep. I'm not kidding.

Go!

The sense of speed is incredible

Ooh, sparks

Spectacular rolling crashes of doom

Hit the wrong wall and go flying